The NBA acknowledged Wednesday a foul should have been called on the final possession of Game 4 in the Western Conference finals, which would have given the San Antonio Spurs a chance to even the series.

Trailing, 93-91, on Tuesday night, the Spurs inbounded the ball with 2.1 seconds left to Brent Barry, who was bumped by Lakers guard Derek Fisher on the floor. No foul was called, and Barry missed badly on a 3-pointer before time expired.

Spurs players and coach Gregg Popovich said a foul should not have been called, but the NBA disagreed with them after reviewing the play.

“With the benefit of instant replay, it appears a foul should have been called,” NBA spokesman Tim Frank said.

Had that happened, Barry would have gone to the line for two free throws and a chance to tie the score. Instead, the defending champion Spurs trail the series 3-1and face elimination today at Staples Center.

Also …

NBA Coach of the Year Byron Scott and New Orleans agreed in principle to a contract extension. … Atlanta hired Rick Sund as general manager, replacing Billy Knight, who announced May7 he is resigning after sixyears with the team. Sund has worked in NBA front offices for more than 30years, including stints with Milwaukee, Dallas, Detroit and Seattle.

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